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Scaffold Safety

by Susan McElrath

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It is safe to assume that just about everybody has heard of a scaffolding accident or two. In many of those cases, faulty design and inadequate construction of the scaffolding was involved but, in most case, scaffold accidents are caused by poor maintenance and improper use. To help keep your scaffolds safe, follow these simple scaffold safety procedures:

Inspect the scaffolds daily before using them; check the guard rails, connectors, fastening, footing, tie-ins and bracing.
Keep platforms closely boarded, fenced and securely fastened.
Don't stockpile materials on the scaffolds; remove all materials and tools at the end of the day.
Never overload scaffolds. Place the materials being used over ledger and bearer points to minimize platform loading.
Don't work on scaffolds during storms or high winds and clear all ice and snow from the platforms before using them.
Protect the scaffolds: don't bump or strike against the scaffolds with vehicles or materials and control hoisted material from the ground with taglines.
Keep the platforms and area around the scaffold cleared of debris and unneeded equipment, material and other hazards that will cause a worker to trip or fall.